Day 81 of the 3rd Bible Study Journey - 22 March 2023 reflections
Day 81, 22 Mar 2023
1) Joshua 1-4
JOSHUA 1
The Lord Commissions Joshua
1 (Ex 24:13; Dt 1:38) Now after the death of Moses
the servant of the Lord, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun,
the assistant of Moses:
2 "Moses My servant is dead, so now get up and cross over the Jordan
-you and all this people-to the land that I am giving
to the children of Israel.
3 (Dt 11:24; Jos 14:9) I have given you every place
that the sole of your foot shall tread, as I said to Moses.
4 (Ex 23:31) From the wilderness and this Lebanon,
as far as the great river, the River Euphrates,
all the land of the Hittites,
and to the Mediterranean Sea toward the setting of the sun
will be your territory.
5 (Dt 7:24; 31:6-8) No man will be able to stand against you
all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, I will be with you.
I will not abandon you. I will not leave you.
6 (Jos 1:7; 1:9) "Be strong and courageous, for you shall provide
the land that I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance
for this people.
7 (Dt 5:32; 28:14) Be strong and very courageous, in order to act
carefully in accordance with all the law that My servant Moses
commanded you. Do not turn aside from it to the right or the left,
so that you may succeed wherever you go.
8 (Ps 19:14; 119:15) This Book of the Law must not depart
from your mouth. Meditate on it day and night so that you may act
carefully according to all that is written in it. For then you will make
your way successful, and you will be wise.
9 (Ge 28:15; Dt 31:7-8) Have not I commanded you?
Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord
your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua Takes Command
10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people,
11 (Jos 3:2; Dt 9:1) "Pass through the midst of the camp
and command the people, 'Prepare food, for in three days you
will cross the Jordan to go to take possession of the land
that the Lord your God is giving you to possess.'"
12 To the Reubenites, the Gadites, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh,
Joshua said,
13 (Nu 32:20-28) "Remember the word that Moses the servant of the Lord
commanded you: 'The Lord your God has given you a place for rest
and will give this land.'
14 Your wives, your children, and your livestock may live in the land
that Moses gave you on the east side of the Jordan. But you must cross
over with your brothers fully armed, your mighty men of valor, and help them,
15 until the Lord has given your brothers rest, as He has given you, and they
also have possessed the land that the Lord your God is giving to them.
Then you may return to your own land and possess what Moses the servant
of the Lord gave you on the east side of the Jordan where the sun rises."
16 They answered Joshua, "All that you command us we will do,
and wherever you send us we will go.
17 (Jos 1:5) Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, we will obey you.
May the Lord your God be with you, as He was with Moses!
18 (Jos 1:6-7; 1:9) Whoever rebels against your command
and disobeys your words, in all that you command him,
shall be put to death. Only be strong and courageous."
[Remember 40 years in the desert and Joshua and one other spy was loyal]
Joshua 1
[1] Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,
[2] Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan,
thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.
[3] Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I
given unto you, as I said unto Moses.
[4] From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the
river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.
[5] There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
[6] Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
[7] Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
[8] This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous,
and then thou shalt have good success.
[9] Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not
afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee
whithersoever thou goest.
[10] Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,
[11] Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you
victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to
possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it.
[12] And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of
Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying,
[13] Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you,
saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land.
[14] Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land
which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your
brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them;
[15] Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and
they also have possessed the land which the LORD your God giveth them: then
ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses
the LORD's servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising.
[16] And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will
do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go.
[17] According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken
unto thee: only the LORD thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses.
[18] Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not
hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to
death: only be strong and of a good courage.
JOSHUA 2
Rahab and the Spies
1 (Heb 11:31; Jas 2:25; Nu 25:1) Then Joshua son of Nun sent two men out
from Shittim to spy, saying, "Go see the land, especially Jericho."
So they went, and they came to the house of a prostitute named Rahab.
They spent the night there.
2 The king of Jericho was told, "Israelite men came here tonight to spy
out the land."
3 So the king of Jericho sent orders to Rahab, "Bring out the men who
came to you, who have entered your house, for they came to spy out
the whole land."
4 (2Sa 17:19-20) Now the woman had taken the two men and had hidden
them. She said, "Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they
were from.
5 The men went out when it was time to shut the gate at dark.
I do not know where the men went. Chase after them quickly,
for you can overtake them."
6 (2Sa 17:19) Yet she had brought them up to the roof. She hid them
in the stalks of flax that she had spread out on the roof.
7 (Jdg 3:28) So the men chased after them on the road to the Jordan
as far as the fords. They shut the gate as soon as the pursuers went
out after them.
8 Before the spies went to sleep, Rahab went up to them on the roof.
9 (Ex 23:27; Dt 2:25) She said to the men, "I know that the Lord has given
you the land, for dread from you has fallen upon us, and all the inhabitants
of the land melt in terror before you.
10 (Nu 21:21-35) For we heard how the Lord dried up the waters of the
Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon
and Og, the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of
the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed.
11 (Dt 4:39; Jos 5:1) Our hearts melted when we heard these things,
and no man had any breath in him because of you, for the Lord your God
is God in heaven above and on earth below.
12 (Jos 2:18) "So now, since I have acted faithfully toward you,
please swear to me by the Lord that you will also act faithfully
toward my father's house. Please give me a firm pledge
13 that you will spare my father, my mother, my brothers, my sisters,
and all whom they own, and that you will deliver our lives from death."
14 (Ge 24:49; Jdg 1:24-25) The men said to her, "Our lives for yours;
if you do not report us, then when the Lord gives us the land,
we will act faithfully and kindly with you."
15 (Ac 9:25; 2Co 11:33) Then Rahab lowered them by a rope
through the window, for her home was set into the wall where she lived.
16 She said to them, "Go to the hill country so that the pursuers do not
find you. Hide there three days until the pursuers return.
After that, you can go on your way."
17 The men said to her, "We will be free from this oath that you have
made us swear,
18 (Jos 6:23) unless, when we come into the land, you tie this red cord
to the window through which you let us down. You must bring your
father, your mother, your brothers, and all who belong
to your father's household into your home.
19 Anyone who comes out of the doors of your house into the street
is responsible for his own blood, and we will be innocent.
Yet for anyone who stays with you inside the house,
we are responsible for his blood if someone should lay a hand on him.
20 But if you tell about this business of ours, then we will be released
from the oath that you have made us swear."
21 She said, "Let it be so, according to your words."
Then she sent them off, and they departed.
Then she tied the red cord in the window.
22 They went and came to the hill country. They stayed there three days,
until the pursuers returned. The pursuers had sought them all along
the way but had not found them.
23 So the two men returned. They descended from the hill country.
They crossed the river, came to Joshua son of Nun,
and told him all that they had discovered.
24 (Ex 23:31) They said to Joshua, "The Lord has surely given
the whole land into our hands! Indeed, all the inhabitants of the land
melt in terror before us."
Joshua 2
[1] And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly,
saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an
harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.
[2] And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in
hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country.
[3] And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men
that are come to thee, which are entered into thine house: for they be come
to search out all the country.
[4] And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came
men unto me, but I wist not whence they were:
[5] And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was
dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after
them quickly; for ye shall overtake them.
[6] But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with
the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.
[7] And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as
soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.
[8] And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof;
[9] And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land,
and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the
land faint because of you.
[10] For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for
you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the
Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly
destroyed.
[11] And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither
did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD
your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.
[12] Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have
shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house,
and give me a true token:
[13] And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren,
and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.
[14] And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our
business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we
will deal kindly and truly with thee.
[15] Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was
upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall.
[16] And she said unto them, Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet
you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned:
and afterward may ye go your way.
[17] And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath
which thou hast made us swear.
[18] Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of
scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt
bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's
household, home unto thee.
[19] And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house
into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless:
and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our
head, if any hand be upon him.
[20] And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath
which thou hast made us to swear.
[21] And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them
away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.
[22] And they went, and came unto the mountain, and abode there three days,
until the pursuers were returned: and the pursuers sought them throughout
all the way, but found them not.
[23] So the two men returned, and descended from the mountain, and passed
over, and came to Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all things that befell
them:
[24] And they said unto Joshua, Truly the LORD hath delivered into our hands
all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because
of us.
[Even in Pagan Jericho, they feared the Lord]
JOSHUA 3
Israel Crossing the Jordan
1 (Jos 2:1) In the morning Joshua got up early; then he and all the children
of Israel set out from Shittim and came to the Jordan.
They stayed there before crossing over.
2 (Jos 1:10-11) After three days the officers went through the camp.
3 (Dt 31:9; Nu 10:33) They commanded the people, "When you see the ark
of the covenant of the Lord your God and the Levite priests carrying it,
then you shall set out from where you are and go behind it.
4 (Ex 19:12) There must be a distance of two thousand cubits
{About 3,000 feet, or 900 meters.} between you and it.
Do not draw closer to it, in order that you may know the way you should go.
For you have not passed this way before."
5 (Jos 7:13; Lev 20:7) Joshua said to the people, "Consecrate yourselves,
for tomorrow the Lord will perform wondrous deeds among you."
6 Joshua said to the priests,
"Pick up the ark of the covenant, and proceed ahead of the people."
So they picked up the ark of the covenant and went in front of the people.
7 (Jos 4:14; 1:5) The Lord said to Joshua, "Today I will begin to honor you
in the sight of all Israel, so that they may know that just as I was
with Moses, so I will be with you.
8 (Jos 3:3; 3:17) You shall command the priests who carry
the ark of the covenant, 'When you come to the bank of the Jordan,
stand still in the river.'"
9 So Joshua said to the children of Israel,
"Draw near and hear the words of the Lord your God."
10 (Ex 33:2; Dt 5:26) And Joshua said, "By this you will know that the living
God is among you, and that He will thoroughly drive out the Canaanites,
the Hittites, the Hivites, the Perizzites, the Girgashites, the Amorites,
and the Jebusites from before you.
11 (Zec 6:5; Jos 3:13) See, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of
all the earth is passing before you into the Jordan.
12 (Jos 4:2) Now select twelve men from the tribes of Israel,
one man per tribe.
13 (Ex 15:8; Ps 78:13) When the soles of the feet of the priests
who bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth,
touch the water of the Jordan, the water of the Jordan
that flows from upstream will be cut off and pile up."
14 (Ac 7:44-45) When the people set out from their tents
to cross over the Jordan, the priests were carrying
the ark of the covenant before the people.
15 (1Ch 12:15; Jos 4:18) When the carriers of the ark came to the Jordan,
the feet of the priests carrying the ark dipped into the edge of the water.
(Now the Jordan overflows its banks all the days of the harvest.)
16 (Ge 14:3; Jos 3:13) Then the water that flows down from upstream
stood still and rose up in a heap very far away at Adam,
the city beside Zarethan. The water that flows down toward
the Sea of Arabah (the Dead Sea) stopped and was cut off.
The people crossed over opposite Jericho.
17 (Ex 14:29; 14:22) The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the Lord
stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, and all Israel
crossed over on dry ground until the entire people completed crossing
over the Jordan.
Joshua 3
[1] And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and
came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before
they passed over.
[2] And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the
host;
[3] And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the
covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then
ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.
[4] Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits
by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must
go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore.
[5] And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the
LORD will do wonders among you.
[6] And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the
covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the
covenant, and went before the people.
[7] And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in
the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I
will be with thee.
[8] And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant,
saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand
still in Jordan.
[9] And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the
words of the LORD your God.
[10] And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you,
and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and
the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and
the Amorites, and the Jebusites.
[11] Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth
over before you into Jordan.
[12] Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, out of
every tribe a man.
[13] And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the
priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest
in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the
waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.
[14] And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass
over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the
people;
[15] And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of
the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for
Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)
[16] That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an
heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that
came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were
cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.
[17] And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood
firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed
over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.
[One memorial and a reminder of the Red Sea]
JOSHUA 4
Twelve Memorial Stones
1 (Dt 27:2; Jos 3:17_ When the entire people had completed crossing
over the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua,
2 (Jos 3:12) "Take twelve men from among the people, one man per tribe.
3 (Jos 4:19-20; 3:13) Command them: 'Pick up twelve stones from
the middle of the Jordan, from the place where the feet of the priests
are standing; bring them over with you, and set them in the place
you will camp tonight.'"
4 So Joshua summoned the twelve men he had appointed from among
the children of Israel, one man per tribe.
5 Then Joshua said to them, "Cross over before the ark of the Lord your God
into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you lift up a stone upon
your shoulder, one for each of the tribes of the children of Israel,
6 (Ex 13:14; Jos 4:21) so that this will be a sign among you.
When your children ask, 'What do these stones mean to you?'
7 (Ex 12:14; Nu 16:40) you will answer them that the waters of the Jordan
were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord.
When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.
These stones will be a memorial for the children of Israel continually."
8 Then the children of Israel did as Joshua commanded
and picked up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan,
one for each of the tribes of the children of Israel,
as the Lord had spoken to Joshua.
They crossed over with them to the settlement and set them there.
9 Joshua also set twelve stones inthe middle of the Jordan
at the place where the feet of the priests who carried
the ark of the covenant were standing. The stones are there to this day.
10 The priests who were carrying the ark stood in the middle of the Jordan
until everything was completed that the Lord had commanded Joshua
to say to the people, according to all that Moses had commanded Joshua.
The people quickly crossed over.
11 When all the people had finished crossing over, the ark of the Lord
and the priests crossed over in the presence of the people.
12 The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh crossed
over in battle formation in front of the children of Israel, according
to what Moses had said to them.
13 About 40000 battle-ready men crossed over before the Lord
for battle on the plains of Jericho.
14 (Jos 3:7) On that day, the Lord honored Joshua in the sight of all Israel.
They feared him as they had feared Moses, all the days of his life.
15 The Lord spoke to Joshua,
16 "Command the priests carrying the ark of the testimony:
'Come up out of the Jordan!'"
17 So Joshua commanded the priests, "Come up out of the Jordan!"
18 (Jos 3:15) Then when the priests who were carrying the ark of the covenant
of the Lord came up from the middle of the Jordan
and the soles of the priests'
feet touched the dry ground, the waters of the Jordan returned to their place
and overflowed all its banks as before.
19 (Jos 5:9) Now the people came up from the Jordan on the tenth day
of the first month, and they camped at Gilgal,
on the eastern border of Jericho.
20 (Jos 4:3; 4:8) Joshua set up in Gilgal those twelve stones that they took
from the Jordan.
21 (Jos 4:6) He said to the children of Israel, "When your children someday
ask their parents, 'What do these stones mean?'
22 (Jos 3:17) then you shall explain to your children,
'Israel crossed over the Jordan here on dry ground!'
23 (Ex 14:21) For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan
before you until you crossed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea
when He dried it up before us until we crossed over,
24 (Ex 14:31; Ps 89:13) so that all the peoples of the earth might know
the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty,
and you would fear the Lord your God always."
Joshua 4
[1] And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over
Jordan, that the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,
[2] Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man,
[3] And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of
Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve
stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the
lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night.
[4] Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the
children of Israel, out of every tribe a man:
[5] And Joshua said unto them, Pass over before the ark of the LORD your
God into the midst of Jordan, and take ye up every man of you a stone
upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the
children of Israel:
[6] That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their
fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones?
[7] Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off
before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan,
the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a
memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.
[8] And the children of Israel did so as Joshua commanded, and took up
twelve stones out of the midst of Jordan, as the LORD spake unto Joshua,
according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and
carried them over with them unto the place where they lodged, and laid
them down there.
[9] And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan, in the place
where the feet of the priests which bare the ark of the covenant stood: and
they are there unto this day.
[10] For the priests which bare the ark stood in the midst of Jordan, until
everything was finished that the LORD commanded Joshua to speak unto the
people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua: and the people hasted
and passed over.
[11] And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over, that
the ark of the LORD passed over, and the priests, in the presence of the
people.
[12] And the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and half the tribe
of Manasseh, passed over armed before the children of Israel, as Moses spake
unto them:
[13] About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD unto
battle, to the plains of Jericho.
[14] On that day the LORD magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and
they feared him, as they feared Moses, all the days of his life.
[15] And the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,
[16] Command the priests that bear the ark of the testimony, that they come
up out of Jordan.
[17] Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of
Jordan.
[18] And it came to pass, when the priests that bare the ark of the covenant
of the LORD were come up out of the midst of Jordan, and the soles of the
priests' feet were lifted up unto the dry land, that the waters of Jordan
returned unto their place, and flowed over all his banks, as they did
before.
[19] And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first
month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho.
[20] And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua
pitch in Gilgal.
[21] And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children
shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones?
[22] Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this
Jordan on dry land.
[23] For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you,
until ye were passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red sea, which he
dried up from before us, until we were gone over:
[24] That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that
it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever.
2) Our Daily Bread for 23 March 2023 titled
Permission to Rest
Genesis 1:31-2:2
31 God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.
So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
[31] And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very
good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Gen 2:1 So the heavens and the earth, and all their hosts, were finished.
[1] Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
2 On the seventh day God completed His work which He had done,
and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.
[2] And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he
rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
We sat atop some beach boulders, my friend Soozi and I, watching the foam
send up sea spray in arched curls. Looking at the incoming waves crashing
one after another against the rocks, Soozi announced, "I love the ocean.
It keeps moving so I don't have to!"
Isn't it interesting how some of us feel we need "permission" to pause from
our work to rest? Well, that's just what our good God offers us! For six
days, God spun the earth into existence, creating light, land, vegetation,
animals, and humans. Then on the seventh day, He rested (Genesis 1:31-2:2).
In the Ten Commandments, God listed His rules for healthy living to honour
Him (Exodus 20:3-17), including the command to remember the Sabbath as a day
of rest (vv. 8-11). In the New Testament, we see Jesus healing all the sick
of the town (Mark 1:29-34) and then early the next morning retreating to a
solitary place to pray (v. 35). Purposefully, our God both worked and rested.
The rhythm of God's provision in work and His invitation to rest reverberates
around us. Spring's planting yields growth in summer, harvest in autumn, and
rest in winter. Morning, noon, afternoon, evening, night. God orders our
lives for both work and rest, offering us permission to do both.
By: Elisa Morgan
Reflect & Pray
How would you assess the balance in your life between work and rest?
When and how might you pause each day to reflect on God's
example of rhythm and rest?
Dear God, thank You that You made me to follow
after Your heart, to both work and rest for Your glory and my good.
3) Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 7 Promises of Grace - Day 4 - Giving and Receiving
Luke 6:38
38 "Give, and it will be given to you: Good measure, pressed down,
shaken together, and running over will men give unto you.
For with the measure you use, it will be measured unto you."
38 give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down,
and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.
For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured
to you again.
"Just give the Lord", the voice on the radio declared. "Give, and he will
give back to you, a hundredfold." The preacher went on to explain how
an old woman on social security had sent her last $10 to support his
ministry, and the next day she got an anonymous money order for
a $1000 . "The Lord will be faithful to his Word," the preacher
concluded. "You give, and you'll receive."
The Lord is, of course, faithful to his Word. But many well-meaning Christians
have interpreted Luke 6:38 as a "payment in kind" bargain with God:
if I give God my dollar, he's obliged to return it to me with interest.
This "seed-sowing" fallacy, where $20 supposedly becomes $2000 by
an act of divine, multiplication, has caused much
disappointment and frustration.
The "giving and receiving" principle is a valid one; the Lord does, indeed say
"Give, and it will be given to you," but he does not specify what the "return"
will be. The verse appears in the context of forgiveness, of not judging; the
principle is not investment, in any material sense, but generosity.
As we give, as few are compassionate with others, we take on the
character of the Lord himself. He is generous and giving, and he gives
to us as we give ourselves in love to others.
Application
a) Have I ever "given" to God to others as a bribe, to get something
in return?
b) What is God's concept of giving, as demonstrated
in the gift of Jesus Christ?
c) How can this verse help me to give more selflessly?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Luke 6:38
38 "Give, and it will be given to you: Good measure, pressed down,
shaken together, and running over will men give unto you.
For with the measure you use, it will be measured unto you."
38 give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down,
and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For
with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Burdened by Doubt
Proverbs 30:5
5 Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
5 Every word of God is pure:
He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Saskatchewan
Quick facts on Muslims in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan 2015 population 1125400
est Muslim Population 17279
CNMM Networks: Saskatoon
Saskatoon has seen quick growth in its Muslim population over the past
5 years, which maybe as high as 5000 today. Islamic leaders have
focused specifically on this city , having twice already sent cohorts
of about 70 families to start mosques. There are now 7 Islamic centres
of worship and an Islamic madrassah (school) located right next to a
Christian school.
Of particular concern recently is the number of young adults who grew up
in evangelical churches and converted to Islam. Most of these are young
women who were wooed by Muslim man and became emotionally bonded.
Both prior to and after marrying, these women are known to convert to Islam.
Agree in prayer with us for:
- entire congregations and individual believers to catch God's heart
and passion for reaching Muslims in Saskatoon and the other growing
Muslim population centres of Saskatchewan.
- for the eyes and understanding of Canadian youth to be opened to the
spiritual reality of Islam, and not deceived nor manipulated into
converting to a religion which cannot offer assurance of salvation.
- for the few workers among Muslims now engaged there, and for many more
to be raised up into effective witness.
- for prayer and training events that are starting in Saskatoon
to spread and grow to other cities.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 18 March to 18 April 2023
DAY 5 MARCH 22
Russia is a land of extremes. The world's largest country hosts many
environments, landforms, and naturalresources. However, a sprawling
habitat has not translated into an easy life for most of the country's
people. Much of Russia's history has been a grim tale of the wealthy and
powerful few ruling over a great mass of the poor and powerless. Although
the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 brought profound political
and economic changes, Russians have had to endure a weak economy, high
inflation, and the fury of social ills for much of the post-communist era.
Today, Russia and its tyrannical leader, Vladimir Putin, are involved in
several proxy wars and recently invaded Ukraine despite significant global
opposition. The Church must contend for Putin to be brought to his knees
before the King of Kings.This is the hour of deliverance for God's children
to be set free from communistic ideology through the truth of the Gospel.
Kazan, one of the oldest cities in Europe, is the capital of the Republic
of Tatarstan in western Russia. The city is a major cultural
and educational center; nearly half of its population are Tatar,
a sizeable unreached people group predominantly found within Russia.
Prayer Emphasis
- Pray for the advancement of God's Kingdom throughout the languages
of this city, especially among the UUPG * languages.
- Pray for a mighty movement of prayer to be birthed in Kazan
that multiplies throughout the country.
- Pray for followers of Jesus to walk in the power of the Spirit.
- Pray for a resurrection of God's divine purpose for this city.
People Group Focus
Tatar
Northern Uzbek
Turkmen
UUPG--Unengaged Unreached People Group
(a people group with known no active church planting underway)
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
22 Day of the Month
a) Pray for the Province of Quebec
I) Pray for the leaders of Quebec,
that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly,
serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use
the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
b) Pray that the influence of the Holy Spirit would dissolve
every argument and pretension exalted against the knowledge
of God.
(
2 Cor 10: 3 - 5
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God
to the pulling down of strongholds,
5 casting down imaginations and every
high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every
thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4(for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God
to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself
against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought
to the obedience of Christ;
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to remember the Living Lord your God
and the that the battle belongs to Him.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, thank You that You made me to follow
after Your heart, to both work and rest for Your glory and my good."
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a selfless and joyful giver.
Pray to the Lord and pray to put your trust in Him always.
Agree in prayer with us for:
- entire congregations and individual believers to catch God's heart
and passion for reaching Muslims in Saskatoon and the other growing
Muslim population centres of Saskatchewan.
- for the eyes and understanding of Canadian youth to be opened to the
spiritual reality of Islam, and not deceived nor manipulated into
converting to a religion which cannot offer assurance of salvation.
- for the few workers among Muslims now engaged there, and for many more
to be raised up into effective witness.
- for prayer and training events that are starting in Saskatoon
to spread and grow to other cities.
- Pray for the advancement of God's Kingdom throughout the languages
of this city, especially among the UUPG languages.
- Pray for a mighty movement of prayer to be birthed in Kazan
that multiplies throughout the country.
- Pray for followers of Jesus to walk in the power of the Spirit.
- Pray for a resurrection of God's divine purpose for this city.
*UUPG--Unengaged Unreached People Group
(a people group with known no active church planting underway)
Pray that the influence of the Holy Spirit would dissolve
every argument and pretension exalted against the knowledge
of God.
Pray that Pastor Li Juncai's ministry work in China will bear fruit
as he reaches out to fellow prisoners.
1) Joshua 1-4
JOSHUA 1
The Lord Commissions Joshua
1 (Ex 24:13; Dt 1:38) Now after the death of Moses
the servant of the Lord, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun,
the assistant of Moses:
2 "Moses My servant is dead, so now get up and cross over the Jordan
-you and all this people-to the land that I am giving
to the children of Israel.
3 (Dt 11:24; Jos 14:9) I have given you every place
that the sole of your foot shall tread, as I said to Moses.
4 (Ex 23:31) From the wilderness and this Lebanon,
as far as the great river, the River Euphrates,
all the land of the Hittites,
and to the Mediterranean Sea toward the setting of the sun
will be your territory.
5 (Dt 7:24; 31:6-8) No man will be able to stand against you
all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, I will be with you.
I will not abandon you. I will not leave you.
6 (Jos 1:7; 1:9) "Be strong and courageous, for you shall provide
the land that I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance
for this people.
7 (Dt 5:32; 28:14) Be strong and very courageous, in order to act
carefully in accordance with all the law that My servant Moses
commanded you. Do not turn aside from it to the right or the left,
so that you may succeed wherever you go.
8 (Ps 19:14; 119:15) This Book of the Law must not depart
from your mouth. Meditate on it day and night so that you may act
carefully according to all that is written in it. For then you will make
your way successful, and you will be wise.
9 (Ge 28:15; Dt 31:7-8) Have not I commanded you?
Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord
your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua Takes Command
10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people,
11 (Jos 3:2; Dt 9:1) "Pass through the midst of the camp
and command the people, 'Prepare food, for in three days you
will cross the Jordan to go to take possession of the land
that the Lord your God is giving you to possess.'"
12 To the Reubenites, the Gadites, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh,
Joshua said,
13 (Nu 32:20-28) "Remember the word that Moses the servant of the Lord
commanded you: 'The Lord your God has given you a place for rest
and will give this land.'
14 Your wives, your children, and your livestock may live in the land
that Moses gave you on the east side of the Jordan. But you must cross
over with your brothers fully armed, your mighty men of valor, and help them,
15 until the Lord has given your brothers rest, as He has given you, and they
also have possessed the land that the Lord your God is giving to them.
Then you may return to your own land and possess what Moses the servant
of the Lord gave you on the east side of the Jordan where the sun rises."
16 They answered Joshua, "All that you command us we will do,
and wherever you send us we will go.
17 (Jos 1:5) Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, we will obey you.
May the Lord your God be with you, as He was with Moses!
18 (Jos 1:6-7; 1:9) Whoever rebels against your command
and disobeys your words, in all that you command him,
shall be put to death. Only be strong and courageous."
[Remember 40 years in the desert and Joshua and one other spy was loyal]
Joshua 1
[1] Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,
[2] Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan,
thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.
[3] Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I
given unto you, as I said unto Moses.
[4] From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the
river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.
[5] There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
[6] Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
[7] Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
[8] This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous,
and then thou shalt have good success.
[9] Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not
afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee
whithersoever thou goest.
[10] Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,
[11] Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you
victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to
possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it.
[12] And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of
Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying,
[13] Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you,
saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land.
[14] Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land
which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your
brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them;
[15] Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and
they also have possessed the land which the LORD your God giveth them: then
ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses
the LORD's servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising.
[16] And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will
do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go.
[17] According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken
unto thee: only the LORD thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses.
[18] Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not
hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to
death: only be strong and of a good courage.
JOSHUA 2
Rahab and the Spies
1 (Heb 11:31; Jas 2:25; Nu 25:1) Then Joshua son of Nun sent two men out
from Shittim to spy, saying, "Go see the land, especially Jericho."
So they went, and they came to the house of a prostitute named Rahab.
They spent the night there.
2 The king of Jericho was told, "Israelite men came here tonight to spy
out the land."
3 So the king of Jericho sent orders to Rahab, "Bring out the men who
came to you, who have entered your house, for they came to spy out
the whole land."
4 (2Sa 17:19-20) Now the woman had taken the two men and had hidden
them. She said, "Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they
were from.
5 The men went out when it was time to shut the gate at dark.
I do not know where the men went. Chase after them quickly,
for you can overtake them."
6 (2Sa 17:19) Yet she had brought them up to the roof. She hid them
in the stalks of flax that she had spread out on the roof.
7 (Jdg 3:28) So the men chased after them on the road to the Jordan
as far as the fords. They shut the gate as soon as the pursuers went
out after them.
8 Before the spies went to sleep, Rahab went up to them on the roof.
9 (Ex 23:27; Dt 2:25) She said to the men, "I know that the Lord has given
you the land, for dread from you has fallen upon us, and all the inhabitants
of the land melt in terror before you.
10 (Nu 21:21-35) For we heard how the Lord dried up the waters of the
Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon
and Og, the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of
the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed.
11 (Dt 4:39; Jos 5:1) Our hearts melted when we heard these things,
and no man had any breath in him because of you, for the Lord your God
is God in heaven above and on earth below.
12 (Jos 2:18) "So now, since I have acted faithfully toward you,
please swear to me by the Lord that you will also act faithfully
toward my father's house. Please give me a firm pledge
13 that you will spare my father, my mother, my brothers, my sisters,
and all whom they own, and that you will deliver our lives from death."
14 (Ge 24:49; Jdg 1:24-25) The men said to her, "Our lives for yours;
if you do not report us, then when the Lord gives us the land,
we will act faithfully and kindly with you."
15 (Ac 9:25; 2Co 11:33) Then Rahab lowered them by a rope
through the window, for her home was set into the wall where she lived.
16 She said to them, "Go to the hill country so that the pursuers do not
find you. Hide there three days until the pursuers return.
After that, you can go on your way."
17 The men said to her, "We will be free from this oath that you have
made us swear,
18 (Jos 6:23) unless, when we come into the land, you tie this red cord
to the window through which you let us down. You must bring your
father, your mother, your brothers, and all who belong
to your father's household into your home.
19 Anyone who comes out of the doors of your house into the street
is responsible for his own blood, and we will be innocent.
Yet for anyone who stays with you inside the house,
we are responsible for his blood if someone should lay a hand on him.
20 But if you tell about this business of ours, then we will be released
from the oath that you have made us swear."
21 She said, "Let it be so, according to your words."
Then she sent them off, and they departed.
Then she tied the red cord in the window.
22 They went and came to the hill country. They stayed there three days,
until the pursuers returned. The pursuers had sought them all along
the way but had not found them.
23 So the two men returned. They descended from the hill country.
They crossed the river, came to Joshua son of Nun,
and told him all that they had discovered.
24 (Ex 23:31) They said to Joshua, "The Lord has surely given
the whole land into our hands! Indeed, all the inhabitants of the land
melt in terror before us."
Joshua 2
[1] And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly,
saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an
harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.
[2] And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in
hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country.
[3] And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men
that are come to thee, which are entered into thine house: for they be come
to search out all the country.
[4] And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came
men unto me, but I wist not whence they were:
[5] And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was
dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after
them quickly; for ye shall overtake them.
[6] But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with
the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.
[7] And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as
soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.
[8] And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof;
[9] And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land,
and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the
land faint because of you.
[10] For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for
you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the
Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly
destroyed.
[11] And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither
did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD
your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.
[12] Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have
shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house,
and give me a true token:
[13] And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren,
and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.
[14] And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our
business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we
will deal kindly and truly with thee.
[15] Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was
upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall.
[16] And she said unto them, Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet
you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned:
and afterward may ye go your way.
[17] And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath
which thou hast made us swear.
[18] Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of
scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt
bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's
household, home unto thee.
[19] And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house
into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless:
and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our
head, if any hand be upon him.
[20] And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath
which thou hast made us to swear.
[21] And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them
away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.
[22] And they went, and came unto the mountain, and abode there three days,
until the pursuers were returned: and the pursuers sought them throughout
all the way, but found them not.
[23] So the two men returned, and descended from the mountain, and passed
over, and came to Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all things that befell
them:
[24] And they said unto Joshua, Truly the LORD hath delivered into our hands
all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because
of us.
[Even in Pagan Jericho, they feared the Lord]
JOSHUA 3
Israel Crossing the Jordan
1 (Jos 2:1) In the morning Joshua got up early; then he and all the children
of Israel set out from Shittim and came to the Jordan.
They stayed there before crossing over.
2 (Jos 1:10-11) After three days the officers went through the camp.
3 (Dt 31:9; Nu 10:33) They commanded the people, "When you see the ark
of the covenant of the Lord your God and the Levite priests carrying it,
then you shall set out from where you are and go behind it.
4 (Ex 19:12) There must be a distance of two thousand cubits
{About 3,000 feet, or 900 meters.} between you and it.
Do not draw closer to it, in order that you may know the way you should go.
For you have not passed this way before."
5 (Jos 7:13; Lev 20:7) Joshua said to the people, "Consecrate yourselves,
for tomorrow the Lord will perform wondrous deeds among you."
6 Joshua said to the priests,
"Pick up the ark of the covenant, and proceed ahead of the people."
So they picked up the ark of the covenant and went in front of the people.
7 (Jos 4:14; 1:5) The Lord said to Joshua, "Today I will begin to honor you
in the sight of all Israel, so that they may know that just as I was
with Moses, so I will be with you.
8 (Jos 3:3; 3:17) You shall command the priests who carry
the ark of the covenant, 'When you come to the bank of the Jordan,
stand still in the river.'"
9 So Joshua said to the children of Israel,
"Draw near and hear the words of the Lord your God."
10 (Ex 33:2; Dt 5:26) And Joshua said, "By this you will know that the living
God is among you, and that He will thoroughly drive out the Canaanites,
the Hittites, the Hivites, the Perizzites, the Girgashites, the Amorites,
and the Jebusites from before you.
11 (Zec 6:5; Jos 3:13) See, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of
all the earth is passing before you into the Jordan.
12 (Jos 4:2) Now select twelve men from the tribes of Israel,
one man per tribe.
13 (Ex 15:8; Ps 78:13) When the soles of the feet of the priests
who bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth,
touch the water of the Jordan, the water of the Jordan
that flows from upstream will be cut off and pile up."
14 (Ac 7:44-45) When the people set out from their tents
to cross over the Jordan, the priests were carrying
the ark of the covenant before the people.
15 (1Ch 12:15; Jos 4:18) When the carriers of the ark came to the Jordan,
the feet of the priests carrying the ark dipped into the edge of the water.
(Now the Jordan overflows its banks all the days of the harvest.)
16 (Ge 14:3; Jos 3:13) Then the water that flows down from upstream
stood still and rose up in a heap very far away at Adam,
the city beside Zarethan. The water that flows down toward
the Sea of Arabah (the Dead Sea) stopped and was cut off.
The people crossed over opposite Jericho.
17 (Ex 14:29; 14:22) The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the Lord
stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, and all Israel
crossed over on dry ground until the entire people completed crossing
over the Jordan.
Joshua 3
[1] And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and
came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before
they passed over.
[2] And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the
host;
[3] And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the
covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then
ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.
[4] Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits
by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must
go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore.
[5] And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the
LORD will do wonders among you.
[6] And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the
covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the
covenant, and went before the people.
[7] And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in
the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I
will be with thee.
[8] And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant,
saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand
still in Jordan.
[9] And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the
words of the LORD your God.
[10] And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you,
and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and
the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and
the Amorites, and the Jebusites.
[11] Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth
over before you into Jordan.
[12] Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, out of
every tribe a man.
[13] And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the
priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest
in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the
waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.
[14] And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass
over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the
people;
[15] And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of
the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for
Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)
[16] That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an
heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that
came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were
cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.
[17] And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood
firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed
over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.
[One memorial and a reminder of the Red Sea]
JOSHUA 4
Twelve Memorial Stones
1 (Dt 27:2; Jos 3:17_ When the entire people had completed crossing
over the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua,
2 (Jos 3:12) "Take twelve men from among the people, one man per tribe.
3 (Jos 4:19-20; 3:13) Command them: 'Pick up twelve stones from
the middle of the Jordan, from the place where the feet of the priests
are standing; bring them over with you, and set them in the place
you will camp tonight.'"
4 So Joshua summoned the twelve men he had appointed from among
the children of Israel, one man per tribe.
5 Then Joshua said to them, "Cross over before the ark of the Lord your God
into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you lift up a stone upon
your shoulder, one for each of the tribes of the children of Israel,
6 (Ex 13:14; Jos 4:21) so that this will be a sign among you.
When your children ask, 'What do these stones mean to you?'
7 (Ex 12:14; Nu 16:40) you will answer them that the waters of the Jordan
were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord.
When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.
These stones will be a memorial for the children of Israel continually."
8 Then the children of Israel did as Joshua commanded
and picked up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan,
one for each of the tribes of the children of Israel,
as the Lord had spoken to Joshua.
They crossed over with them to the settlement and set them there.
9 Joshua also set twelve stones inthe middle of the Jordan
at the place where the feet of the priests who carried
the ark of the covenant were standing. The stones are there to this day.
10 The priests who were carrying the ark stood in the middle of the Jordan
until everything was completed that the Lord had commanded Joshua
to say to the people, according to all that Moses had commanded Joshua.
The people quickly crossed over.
11 When all the people had finished crossing over, the ark of the Lord
and the priests crossed over in the presence of the people.
12 The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh crossed
over in battle formation in front of the children of Israel, according
to what Moses had said to them.
13 About 40000 battle-ready men crossed over before the Lord
for battle on the plains of Jericho.
14 (Jos 3:7) On that day, the Lord honored Joshua in the sight of all Israel.
They feared him as they had feared Moses, all the days of his life.
15 The Lord spoke to Joshua,
16 "Command the priests carrying the ark of the testimony:
'Come up out of the Jordan!'"
17 So Joshua commanded the priests, "Come up out of the Jordan!"
18 (Jos 3:15) Then when the priests who were carrying the ark of the covenant
of the Lord came up from the middle of the Jordan
and the soles of the priests'
feet touched the dry ground, the waters of the Jordan returned to their place
and overflowed all its banks as before.
19 (Jos 5:9) Now the people came up from the Jordan on the tenth day
of the first month, and they camped at Gilgal,
on the eastern border of Jericho.
20 (Jos 4:3; 4:8) Joshua set up in Gilgal those twelve stones that they took
from the Jordan.
21 (Jos 4:6) He said to the children of Israel, "When your children someday
ask their parents, 'What do these stones mean?'
22 (Jos 3:17) then you shall explain to your children,
'Israel crossed over the Jordan here on dry ground!'
23 (Ex 14:21) For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan
before you until you crossed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea
when He dried it up before us until we crossed over,
24 (Ex 14:31; Ps 89:13) so that all the peoples of the earth might know
the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty,
and you would fear the Lord your God always."
Joshua 4
[1] And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over
Jordan, that the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,
[2] Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man,
[3] And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of
Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve
stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the
lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night.
[4] Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the
children of Israel, out of every tribe a man:
[5] And Joshua said unto them, Pass over before the ark of the LORD your
God into the midst of Jordan, and take ye up every man of you a stone
upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the
children of Israel:
[6] That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their
fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones?
[7] Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off
before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan,
the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a
memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.
[8] And the children of Israel did so as Joshua commanded, and took up
twelve stones out of the midst of Jordan, as the LORD spake unto Joshua,
according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and
carried them over with them unto the place where they lodged, and laid
them down there.
[9] And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan, in the place
where the feet of the priests which bare the ark of the covenant stood: and
they are there unto this day.
[10] For the priests which bare the ark stood in the midst of Jordan, until
everything was finished that the LORD commanded Joshua to speak unto the
people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua: and the people hasted
and passed over.
[11] And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over, that
the ark of the LORD passed over, and the priests, in the presence of the
people.
[12] And the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and half the tribe
of Manasseh, passed over armed before the children of Israel, as Moses spake
unto them:
[13] About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD unto
battle, to the plains of Jericho.
[14] On that day the LORD magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and
they feared him, as they feared Moses, all the days of his life.
[15] And the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,
[16] Command the priests that bear the ark of the testimony, that they come
up out of Jordan.
[17] Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of
Jordan.
[18] And it came to pass, when the priests that bare the ark of the covenant
of the LORD were come up out of the midst of Jordan, and the soles of the
priests' feet were lifted up unto the dry land, that the waters of Jordan
returned unto their place, and flowed over all his banks, as they did
before.
[19] And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first
month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho.
[20] And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua
pitch in Gilgal.
[21] And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children
shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones?
[22] Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this
Jordan on dry land.
[23] For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you,
until ye were passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red sea, which he
dried up from before us, until we were gone over:
[24] That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that
it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever.
2) Our Daily Bread for 23 March 2023 titled
Permission to Rest
Genesis 1:31-2:2
31 God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.
So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
[31] And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very
good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Gen 2:1 So the heavens and the earth, and all their hosts, were finished.
[1] Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
2 On the seventh day God completed His work which He had done,
and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.
[2] And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he
rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
We sat atop some beach boulders, my friend Soozi and I, watching the foam
send up sea spray in arched curls. Looking at the incoming waves crashing
one after another against the rocks, Soozi announced, "I love the ocean.
It keeps moving so I don't have to!"
Isn't it interesting how some of us feel we need "permission" to pause from
our work to rest? Well, that's just what our good God offers us! For six
days, God spun the earth into existence, creating light, land, vegetation,
animals, and humans. Then on the seventh day, He rested (Genesis 1:31-2:2).
In the Ten Commandments, God listed His rules for healthy living to honour
Him (Exodus 20:3-17), including the command to remember the Sabbath as a day
of rest (vv. 8-11). In the New Testament, we see Jesus healing all the sick
of the town (Mark 1:29-34) and then early the next morning retreating to a
solitary place to pray (v. 35). Purposefully, our God both worked and rested.
The rhythm of God's provision in work and His invitation to rest reverberates
around us. Spring's planting yields growth in summer, harvest in autumn, and
rest in winter. Morning, noon, afternoon, evening, night. God orders our
lives for both work and rest, offering us permission to do both.
By: Elisa Morgan
Reflect & Pray
How would you assess the balance in your life between work and rest?
When and how might you pause each day to reflect on God's
example of rhythm and rest?
Dear God, thank You that You made me to follow
after Your heart, to both work and rest for Your glory and my good.
3) Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 7 Promises of Grace - Day 4 - Giving and Receiving
Luke 6:38
38 "Give, and it will be given to you: Good measure, pressed down,
shaken together, and running over will men give unto you.
For with the measure you use, it will be measured unto you."
38 give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down,
and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.
For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured
to you again.
"Just give the Lord", the voice on the radio declared. "Give, and he will
give back to you, a hundredfold." The preacher went on to explain how
an old woman on social security had sent her last $10 to support his
ministry, and the next day she got an anonymous money order for
a $1000 . "The Lord will be faithful to his Word," the preacher
concluded. "You give, and you'll receive."
The Lord is, of course, faithful to his Word. But many well-meaning Christians
have interpreted Luke 6:38 as a "payment in kind" bargain with God:
if I give God my dollar, he's obliged to return it to me with interest.
This "seed-sowing" fallacy, where $20 supposedly becomes $2000 by
an act of divine, multiplication, has caused much
disappointment and frustration.
The "giving and receiving" principle is a valid one; the Lord does, indeed say
"Give, and it will be given to you," but he does not specify what the "return"
will be. The verse appears in the context of forgiveness, of not judging; the
principle is not investment, in any material sense, but generosity.
As we give, as few are compassionate with others, we take on the
character of the Lord himself. He is generous and giving, and he gives
to us as we give ourselves in love to others.
Application
a) Have I ever "given" to God to others as a bribe, to get something
in return?
b) What is God's concept of giving, as demonstrated
in the gift of Jesus Christ?
c) How can this verse help me to give more selflessly?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Luke 6:38
38 "Give, and it will be given to you: Good measure, pressed down,
shaken together, and running over will men give unto you.
For with the measure you use, it will be measured unto you."
38 give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down,
and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For
with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Burdened by Doubt
Proverbs 30:5
5 Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
5 Every word of God is pure:
He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Saskatchewan
Quick facts on Muslims in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan 2015 population 1125400
est Muslim Population 17279
CNMM Networks: Saskatoon
Saskatoon has seen quick growth in its Muslim population over the past
5 years, which maybe as high as 5000 today. Islamic leaders have
focused specifically on this city , having twice already sent cohorts
of about 70 families to start mosques. There are now 7 Islamic centres
of worship and an Islamic madrassah (school) located right next to a
Christian school.
Of particular concern recently is the number of young adults who grew up
in evangelical churches and converted to Islam. Most of these are young
women who were wooed by Muslim man and became emotionally bonded.
Both prior to and after marrying, these women are known to convert to Islam.
Agree in prayer with us for:
- entire congregations and individual believers to catch God's heart
and passion for reaching Muslims in Saskatoon and the other growing
Muslim population centres of Saskatchewan.
- for the eyes and understanding of Canadian youth to be opened to the
spiritual reality of Islam, and not deceived nor manipulated into
converting to a religion which cannot offer assurance of salvation.
- for the few workers among Muslims now engaged there, and for many more
to be raised up into effective witness.
- for prayer and training events that are starting in Saskatoon
to spread and grow to other cities.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 18 March to 18 April 2023
DAY 5 MARCH 22
Russia is a land of extremes. The world's largest country hosts many
environments, landforms, and naturalresources. However, a sprawling
habitat has not translated into an easy life for most of the country's
people. Much of Russia's history has been a grim tale of the wealthy and
powerful few ruling over a great mass of the poor and powerless. Although
the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 brought profound political
and economic changes, Russians have had to endure a weak economy, high
inflation, and the fury of social ills for much of the post-communist era.
Today, Russia and its tyrannical leader, Vladimir Putin, are involved in
several proxy wars and recently invaded Ukraine despite significant global
opposition. The Church must contend for Putin to be brought to his knees
before the King of Kings.This is the hour of deliverance for God's children
to be set free from communistic ideology through the truth of the Gospel.
Kazan, one of the oldest cities in Europe, is the capital of the Republic
of Tatarstan in western Russia. The city is a major cultural
and educational center; nearly half of its population are Tatar,
a sizeable unreached people group predominantly found within Russia.
Prayer Emphasis
- Pray for the advancement of God's Kingdom throughout the languages
of this city, especially among the UUPG * languages.
- Pray for a mighty movement of prayer to be birthed in Kazan
that multiplies throughout the country.
- Pray for followers of Jesus to walk in the power of the Spirit.
- Pray for a resurrection of God's divine purpose for this city.
People Group Focus
Tatar
Northern Uzbek
Turkmen
UUPG--Unengaged Unreached People Group
(a people group with known no active church planting underway)
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
22 Day of the Month
a) Pray for the Province of Quebec
I) Pray for the leaders of Quebec,
that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly,
serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use
the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
b) Pray that the influence of the Holy Spirit would dissolve
every argument and pretension exalted against the knowledge
of God.
(
2 Cor 10: 3 - 5
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God
to the pulling down of strongholds,
5 casting down imaginations and every
high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every
thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4(for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God
to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself
against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought
to the obedience of Christ;
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to remember the Living Lord your God
and the that the battle belongs to Him.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, thank You that You made me to follow
after Your heart, to both work and rest for Your glory and my good."
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a selfless and joyful giver.
Pray to the Lord and pray to put your trust in Him always.
Agree in prayer with us for:
- entire congregations and individual believers to catch God's heart
and passion for reaching Muslims in Saskatoon and the other growing
Muslim population centres of Saskatchewan.
- for the eyes and understanding of Canadian youth to be opened to the
spiritual reality of Islam, and not deceived nor manipulated into
converting to a religion which cannot offer assurance of salvation.
- for the few workers among Muslims now engaged there, and for many more
to be raised up into effective witness.
- for prayer and training events that are starting in Saskatoon
to spread and grow to other cities.
- Pray for the advancement of God's Kingdom throughout the languages
of this city, especially among the UUPG languages.
- Pray for a mighty movement of prayer to be birthed in Kazan
that multiplies throughout the country.
- Pray for followers of Jesus to walk in the power of the Spirit.
- Pray for a resurrection of God's divine purpose for this city.
*UUPG--Unengaged Unreached People Group
(a people group with known no active church planting underway)
Pray that the influence of the Holy Spirit would dissolve
every argument and pretension exalted against the knowledge
of God.
Pray that Pastor Li Juncai's ministry work in China will bear fruit
as he reaches out to fellow prisoners.
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